(LONG BEACH, CA – April 9, 2024) – This weekend will kick off Downtown Long Beach Alliance‘s Community Events Microgrant recipients’ events, including The LGBTQ Center of Long Beach’s “Rainbow Connection Queer Prom” and Record Box’s “Covers” art show, both set to take place this Saturday, April 13.
Out of 27 applicants, 11 winners were selected by a panel of members from the organization’s Special Events & Sponsorships, Marketing, and Economic Development committees to receive $250 to $750 for this round of the Community Events Microgrant Program. These events make a positive impact on Downtown, bringing the arts, culture and community front and center.
“We’re thrilled to announce our latest cohort of winners, poised to ignite the Downtown community with creativity and diversity,” said Justine Nevarez, Community Outreach & Events Manager. “The guidance from our volunteer panel of judges and our Special Events & Sponsorships Committee was invaluable in hosting another round of our Community Events Microgrant. We can’t wait to see these events come to life this season!”
Please join us in congratulating the 11 Community Events Microgrant Winners, six of which received $500 – $750 in funding toward their event:
- Record Box – “Covers” Art Show: $500
A group art show where artists pick a record to create a new, one-of-a-kind record sleeve cover. The show will take place on Saturday, April 13 during DTLB Art Walk: Celebrate Downtown Edition from 4 to 9 PM.
- The LGBTQ Center of Long Beach – Rainbow Connections Queer Prom: $750
The Center, in collaboration with First Congregational Church of Long Beach, will host the 4th Annual Rainbow Connects Queer Prom on Saturday, April 13 from 5 to 9 PM. The teen prom event caters specifically to LGBTQ+ teens between ages 13 to 18 to provide them with a safe and culturally affirming space. This year’s theme is “A Night in Candyland.”
- Willmore City Heritage Association – Earth Day Festival: $500
Willmore City Heritage Association and Sowing Seeds of Change are teaming up to host an Earth Day Festival on Saturday, May 4, from 11 AM to 3 PM at Sowing Seeds of Change urban farm. Attendees can expect education workshops, hands-on activities, produce from local vendors, children’s activities, and more.
- Dawningdays – The Men’s Mental Health: $750
The Men’s Mental Health is a one-day retreat designed to provide men with a supportive environment to explore and enhance their mental well-being. Set to take place at Green Pines Creative on June 15, from noon to 4 PM, participants will have the opportunity to engage in self-care activities, such as yoga, groups discussions, meditation, and more.
- A2theZshow – “Same Love Soul Love” screening: $500
Loiter Galleries will host the premier of “Same Love Soul Love” on Saturday, June 22 from 4 to 8:30 PM. The event will offer a Q&A session and two screenings
- Long Beach Disability Pride – The 3rd Annual Celebration: $750
The annual event at Harvey Milk Promenade Park is held on the anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act and aims to uplift the disability community. On Friday, July 26 from 5 to 7 PM, guests can expect entertainment, access to community programs and resources, and pop-ups by local small businesses.
Organizations selected to receive $250 to $300 in grant funding are as follows: Long Beach Bike Co Op for their “Fixit Days on the Promenade” pop-up on May 26; CarLite LB for their Downtown Transit Tour on May 5, Partake Collective for their Night Market on June 14, the Promenade Area Residents Association for their Downtown Hoedown event on Aug. 3; and Kacey Music for their Motown Medley on June 9 during African American Music Appreciation Month.
For more upcoming events in Downtown Long Beach this spring, summer and beyond, visit Downtown Long Beach Alliance’s events calendar here.
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About the Downtown Long Beach Alliance: The Alliance is a non-profit, community-based organization whose mission is to cultivate, preserve and promote a healthy, safe, and prosperous Downtown for all. By balancing the interests of the residents, as well as businesses, the DLBA creates tangible progress by way of vested interest and solidified partnerships across local, municipal, and commercial lines. For additional information, visit www.downtownlongbeach.org, or follow on Facebook @downtownlongbeach, and on “X” (formerly Twitter) @dlba and Instagram @dlba.